Not sure where to celebrate Valentine's Day tomorrow? From casual coffee to romantic proposal spots, SoMa has options for every kind of date night. Here’s our guide to the right setting for your particular relationship status.
Blind Date
For the date with the most unknowns, we recommend an early-afternoon cup of coffee. Sextant Coffee Roasters at 10th and Folsom has a funky, laid-back atmosphere, with sustainably farmed beans and a nice selection of pastries.
If things are going well, take a stroll over to Brannan Street's Mars Bar, which begins serving beer and cocktails at noon. (Valentine's Day also happens to be their weekly Taco Tuesday, so you and your date can enjoy some $2 tacos.)
First Date
On a first date with someone you kind of know? Try Jamber Wine Pub, on Folsom between 4th and 5th streets. They have a large beer and wine selection (including flights), and hearty food ranging from snacks like pretzels and mozzarella sticks to full meals like chicken pot pie and meat loaf.
For pleasant weather (Valentine's is set to be rain-free this year), Jamber has outdoor seating, and it's also couple blocks away from Yerba Buena Gardens if you want to linger with your date a little longer.
Second Date
Those with the budget can skip ahead to an upscale restaurant like Benu, but most folks will still want to keep things casual. Try an easygoing spot with lots of seating, like 21st Amendment on 2nd Street or Garaje on 3rd Street. Then follow it up with a waterfront walk near AT&T Park (and bring some mints, if you're hoping for a smooch).
Third Date
Ready to show off your competitive side? Face off in a few rounds of pinball or Pac-Man at Coin-Op Game Room (4th and Bryant), which has multiple bars to match the mood of your date, not to mention a full food menu.
For those who prefer an analog match, rent a lane at Yerba Buena Gardens' Yerba Buena Bowling, which also offers snacks, beer, and wine. You can compete to see who has to pony up for the $4.75 shoe rental fee.
Coupled Up
SoMa is a great neighborhood for galleries, so why not gaze at each other while you're gazing at art? While SFMOMA is best for daytime dates (since it closes at 5pm), there are plenty of galleries worth checking out. Start at The Gagosian on Howard Street, which is currently showing Beyond Matter, a showcase of Tsuyoshi Maekawa's etherial sewn and painted pieces, then head to 6th Street's graffiti-centric 1AM Gallery, which is showcasing a new group show. Finish with a drink and some electronic music at Monarch, across the street.
The Proposal
Okay, so we may be skipping a few steps, but if you're ready to ask that special someone, B Restaurant and Bar (720 Howard St.) has expansive views of Yerba Buena Gardens (and seating is first-come, first-served, for all the procrastinators out there).
For another sweeping view, Hotel Vitale is still taking Valentine's Day reservations for their waterfront Americano Bar and Restaurant.
If a restaurant proposal isn't your thing, there are some lovely sunset spots along the Embarcadero, including Cupid's Span in Rincon Park, which has an expansive view of the bay.
Married with Kids
Since babysitters are expensive, you'll likely want to make this a quick one. Tin Vietnamese (937 Howard St.) is just the ticket, with speedy food in a nicer-than-average atmosphere. You may even have time to look at the fountains at Jessie Square while holding hands before you have to jet back home.
Breaking Up
Hoodline in no way endorses breaking up with anyone on Valentine's Day, but if the end is inevitable, we recommend a crowded bar near public transit. Irish sports bar The Chieftain (5th and Howard) is a decent option for ripping the Band-Aid off, as is the casual Louie's Bar/Pour Guys on Stevenson Street. Order your new ex a Lyft home, or leave them to partake in one of the signature beer and shot specials.
